Safety and Security

Patient Safety

We are committed to providing your child with quality health care in a safe environment. When your child is admitted, you will receive a Patient Safety in the Health Care Setting brochure. It describes ways in which you play a vital role in keeping your child safe while in the hospital.

If you have suggestions for ways we can make your child’s care safer, please complete the tear-out section of the brochure and drop it off in the patient safety box near the Hospital Welcome Desk or the Outpatient Care Welcome Desk. You may also pick up a similar brochure in the lobby and mail it to the hospital.

Patient/Parent Identification

To provide positive identification of your child and to assure safe, quality care, a patient identification (ID) wristband has been placed on your child. We ask that you help to make sure your child wears the ID band at all times.

Treatment cannot be given without this band in place. Our staff will check this band and replace it as needed.

Parent ID bands will also be issued. They show that you are a parent or legal guardian of the child and have the right to give consent for your child’s care. Along with the wristband, parents must wear a second ID badge while at the hospital. Badges should be worn above your waist for easy viewing. These badges are needed for Security staff to know who is authorized to be on each floor.

Tobacco Policy

In an effort to keep patients, families, visitors and employees in the healthiest of environments, smoking and the use of tobacco products are not permitted on any Nationwide Children’s Hospital property – indoors and outdoors – including garages and parking lots.

Weapons Policy

Nationwide Children’s Hospital prohibits all weapons, including firearms, on all of its property, including our main campus and satellite locations. This includes concealed firearms. If you arrive at Nationwide Children’s main campus in possession of a firearm, lock it in the manner required by law in your motor vehicle. If you do not have a motor vehicle available, or if you are not able to properly secure your firearms in a motor vehicle, call Security at extension 2-2128 from inside the hospital or (614) 722-2128 from outside the hospital. Arrangements will be made to properly store your firearm, and your weapon will be returned to you when you leave the hospital’s property. Weapons storage is not available at any of our off-site locations.

Securing Your Belongings

Nationwide Children’s Hospital cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items. Please label anything you bring for your child. We urge you not to bring large amounts of cash or valuable items. Lockers are available for family use in the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation Family Resource Center and in many patient rooms. You may call Security from within the hospital at extension 2-2128 to help you with lost or found items.